Flemington Preview: Cummings Chases First Australian Cup Win

JAMES Cummings believes Cascadian is back to his best and looks well placed in the Group 1 $3 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington as he chases his first win in the race.

The Australian Cup was a race dominated by James’ legendary grandfather Bart who won it a record 13 times. Even his brother Edward was successful last year with Duais.

Cummings had little hesitation in backing Cascadian up in the Australian Cup after his second in last week’s All-Star Mile behind Mr Brightside which he said was one of the best performances of his career.

Cummings lamented that if Cascadian had of drawn better or got into the clear earlier he might have won.

“For his first run at Moonee Valley against a horse who loves the Valley in Mr Brightside, I thought he acquitted himself exceptionally well,” Cummings said on RSN on Thursday morning.
Cummings said the tough eight-year-old gelding would be suited by a solidly run Australian Cup which he believed would be the case.

Cummings backed Cascadian up in the 2021 Mackinnon Stakes when he finished second to Zaaki a week after he finished third in the Cantala Stakes at Flemington.

Cummings believes he’s back in similar form to that preparation.

Cascadian, will be chasing his third Group 1 win in his career. He will be ridden by Ben Melham and is a $3.20 favourite with TopSport.